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Holy Land Ministry
Holy Land Ministry interfaith event at First Church:
Message of Hope and Book Signing on July 13
 The Holy Land Ministry at First Church will host a community-wide interfaith event on Monday, July 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Linder Hall. The program will feature Reverend Dr. Naim Ateek, Founder of Sabeel - Jerusalem, who will offer a “Message of Hope” and a signing of his book A Palestinian Christian Cry for Reconciliation.
Reverend Ateek is an ordained Episcopal priest and former canon of St. Georges’s Cathederal, Jerusalem. He began his ministry in Galilee, received his Masters of Divinity from U.C. Berkeley and his Doctorate from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Rev. Ateek founded Sabeel – an international peace movement initiated by Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land who seek a just peace as defined by international law and existing United Nations resolutions. Rev. Ateek promotes theological, moral, legal and non-violent principles.
New Holy Land Ministry & Forum
Arnie Sheets
 There has never been a more appropriate time, nor has it been more necessary to show our concern and support for peace, justice and reconciliation in the Holy Land.
In the words of John Wesley:
“The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social, no holiness but social holiness. You cannot be holy except as you are engaged in making the world a better place. You do not become holy by keeping yourself pure and clean from the world but by plunging into ministry on behalf of the world’s hurting ones.”
Given the need to end the suffering in the Holy Land and John Wesley’s pronouncement concerning the “Gospel of Christ,” a new ministry has been established at First Church.
Based on UMC materials prepared by the General Board of Church & Society and Global Ministries and the recommendations of Reverend Sandra Olewine, formerly UMC Liaison to Israel & Palestine for ten years (1996-2006), our areas of focus and activity will be PRAYER – STUDY – ENGAGEMENT – ADVOCACY and GIVING. These five areas create a “Circle of Concern.”
PRAYER: “Prayer makes people part of our family, part of our network of concern. As we continue to pray for the people, the leaders, projects, our circle of concern and caring grows.”
STUDY: In order to develop an effective ministry, it’s important to gain “knowledge about the realities that go beyond the sound bytes of mainstream media. Many Americans know little to nothing of the realities of the occupation and its impact on the daily lives of the people there.” Also, we will investigate historical issues.
ENGAGE: Facilitate “interfaith dialogue and work on this issue.” Jesus asks us to “love our neighbor as we love ourselves.” In loving them, it seems obvious that we should also get to know them, hear their stories and consider their perspectives. We must face our differences and celebrate our similarities, especially our mutual quest for peace.
ADVOCATE: “One critical avenue is to consistently and systematically inform our elected officials about our positions…” There are a number of direct advocacy groups such as Churches for Middle East Peace (www.cmep.org) to help educate and attend to the pertinent issues. CMEP is an ecumenical group of 22 churches, including The United Methodist Church.
GIVE: There are many vibrant and effective Christian communities in Palestine and Israel still preaching the Gospel and caring for others while experiencing oppression and insufferable living conditions. Our ministry will support them emotionally, spiritually and monetarily.
As Christians, we know there is always hope and are confident that through education, understanding and advocacy FUMCSD’s Holy Land Ministry & Forum will be a “beacon” on the hill. We invite you to join with us in this endeavor.
If you have any questions, or wish to be included in our email communications, please contact Arnie Sheets, aesheets@gmail.com or 619-517-5605. |
